The first time I went to this place I wanted to cry. I don't think you are supposed to feel that way after yoga. I bought a Living Social deal and went to a 3:30pm class. They allowed 50 people to attend the class (literally). When I asked when is better time to attend a class with less people the owner told me "we are very popular studio and you are just going to have to deal with it." I did however continue to go because I had bought the deal. I started attending the 12pm class and found that to be much less crowded and a bit more enjoyable. The instructors are pretty good from what I know about Bikram instructors....which isn't much.

I would definitely say if you have another option, go with that.

1

by TalaC at Citysearch
September 19, 20112Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Avoid night classes and the owner!

★★☆☆☆

The first time I went to this place I wanted to cry. I don't think you are supposed to feel that way after yoga. I bought a Living Social deal and went to a 3:30pm class. They allowed 50 people to attend the class (literally). When I asked when is better time to attend a class with less people the owner told me "we are very popular studio and you are just going to have to deal with it." I did however continue to go because I had bought the deal. I started attending the 12pm class and found that to be much less crowded and a bit more enjoyable. The instructors are pretty good from what I know about Bikram instructors....which isn't much.

I never write reviews, but my experience with this place was so bad that I feel responsible to tell others.

Where do I begin? Any El line is more sanitary than this place. I've been to several other bikram studios and sometimes there's a slight funky odor but I've never encountered anything this bad, not even on the under passes to LSD bike path.

You're expected to clean your rental mat (which is normal), however they offer no spray bottles or sanitizer other than one hand pump affixed to the wall that in no way can be used to clean a mat. It's disgusting. (I ended up washing mine in the shower, but now I realize why my feet were sticking to the mat so much to begin with--so GROSS!).

Had I had a good instructor today I may not have taken the time to write this but she was awful too. I've never before heard a yoga instructor scold a student for not keeping up with the first breathing exercise (pranayama), and she paced the class like power yoga until towards the end (when I guess she realized we were going too quickly) and the class ended up finishing early. This isn't the first time I've been here and overheard the instructors scold students as if they were small children. Just garbage.

This is not what yoga should be, no matter what form you practice!

0

by Sharon676 at Citysearch
August 09, 20111Bikram's Yoga College Of India

WORST YOGA EXPERIENCE, EVER

★☆☆☆☆

I never write reviews, but my experience with this place was so bad that I feel responsible to tell others.

Where do I begin? Any El line is more sanitary than this place. I've been to several other bikram studios and sometimes there's a slight funky odor but I've never encountered anything this bad, not even on the under passes to LSD bike path.

You're expected to clean your rental mat (which is normal), however they offer no spray bottles or sanitizer other than one hand pump affixed to the wall that in no way can be used to clean a mat. It's disgusting. (I ended up washing mine in the shower, but now I realize why my feet were sticking to the mat so much to begin with--so GROSS!).

Had I had a good instructor today I may not have taken the time to write this but she was awful too. I've never before heard a yoga instructor scold a student for not keeping up with the first breathing exercise (pranayama), and she paced the class like power yoga until towards the end (when I guess she realized we were going too quickly) and the class ended up finishing early. This isn't the first time I've been here and overheard the instructors scold students as if they were small children. Just garbage.

Great cleansing experience. I always feel amazing after coming out of a session Also, the instructors are nice and courteous.

I do wish the carpets were cleaned more regularly, but otherwise, I think is it a clean and well maintained location.

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by puma39 at CitysearchMar 02.

I have been practicing for many years and this is THE WORST studio and yoga experience I've ever encountered. If you are truly into yoga and before spending your hard-earned money supporting this establishment, believe all the negative reviews. I am stunned that anyone who does yoga gives this studio positive feedback.

0

by puma39 at Citysearch
January 26, 20111Bikram's Yoga College Of India

AVOID AVOID AVOID

★☆☆☆☆

I have been practicing for many years and this is THE WORST studio and yoga experience I've ever encountered. If you are truly into yoga and before spending your hard-earned money supporting this establishment, believe all the negative reviews. I am stunned that anyone who does yoga gives this studio positive feedback.

Dear Mike, I have to tell you, I got so spoiled taking classes from your studio the past year and a half. No other studio that I have been to compares to the quality of the teachers and the consistent room temperature.

2

by jujubeat4 at Citysearch
August 27, 20105Bikram's Yoga College Of India

No other studio that I have been to compares‚??‚??

★★★★★

Dear Mike, I have to tell you, I got so spoiled taking classes from your studio the past year and a half. No other studio that I have been to compares to the quality of the teachers and the consistent room temperature.

I have been coming pretty regularly for 3 years. It has helped with sleep, depressions, overall body image and anxiety. I'm moving to Iowa and there's no studio there! I will be in withdrawal! Thanks everybody!???

2

by clearbluesocalwaters at Citysearch
July 26, 20105Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Thanks everybody!‚??‚??

★★★★★

I have been coming pretty regularly for 3 years. It has helped with sleep, depressions, overall body image and anxiety. I'm moving to Iowa and there's no studio there! I will be in withdrawal! Thanks everybody!???

Yoga is supposed to be the art of breathing and letting go among other things. Coming here is so uncomfortable, I have a hard time breathing, let alone "letting go". Some, but not all of the Yoga instructors are rude and inconsiderate to the customers. I've been to Bikram in LA and NY and they are much more relaxing and enjoyable. Stay away from this Yoga studio unless you want a bad experience that includes: uncleanliness, impoliteness, hastiness, and an overall feeling of "they just want your money" - just wait 'til you hear the owner advertising he'll ACH your checking account during sabasina! Yoga is supposed to be so much more, and this studio "takes" instead of "gives". I would not recommend this Yoga studio to anyone even if they lived right next door.

0

by rexarus at Citysearch
February 16, 20101Bikram's Yoga College Of India

great place to get pin worm and yelled at

★☆☆☆☆

Yoga is supposed to be the art of breathing and letting go among other things. Coming here is so uncomfortable, I have a hard time breathing, let alone "letting go". Some, but not all of the Yoga instructors are rude and inconsiderate to the customers. I've been to Bikram in LA and NY and they are much more relaxing and enjoyable. Stay away from this Yoga studio unless you want a bad experience that includes: uncleanliness, impoliteness, hastiness, and an overall feeling of "they just want your money" - just wait 'til you hear the owner advertising he'll ACH your checking account during sabasina! Yoga is supposed to be so much more, and this studio "takes" instead of "gives". I would not recommend this Yoga studio to anyone even if they lived right next door.

I have been a member of Bikram Yoga in the City for over a year. I never liked yoga before because I was a cardio fanatic. I also moved to Chicago 3 years ago and never found a spin studio or gym I liked compared to LA. This is an awesome workout. My back pain has decreased immensely. The instructors and the owner are awesome and are very passionate about Bikram. I don't understand the other reviews. I have been to studios all over the US now and nothing compares to this particular studio. This is a tough workout. This is a great studio which offers over 40 classes a week. The Popsicles they give after class are awesome.

2

by dsavin1 at Citysearch
November 07, 20095Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Unbelievable Workout & Great Stuido

★★★★★

I have been a member of Bikram Yoga in the City for over a year. I never liked yoga before because I was a cardio fanatic. I also moved to Chicago 3 years ago and never found a spin studio or gym I liked compared to LA. This is an awesome workout. My back pain has decreased immensely. The instructors and the owner are awesome and are very passionate about Bikram. I don't understand the other reviews. I have been to studios all over the US now and nothing compares to this particular studio. This is a tough workout. This is a great studio which offers over 40 classes a week. The Popsicles they give after class are awesome.

THIS PLACE IS THE WORST AND I WILL NEVER GO BACK! Let me start by telling you about my 3 tries there. My first experience was great and the instructor took the time to go over some of the moves with me. My second class was crowed, hot and smelled like garbage. Not to mention, the facility is GROSS AND UNSANITARY! For the final straw, I had the owner as the instructor and what an as****e he is! He was rude to newer students and made fun of them for having to sit out. What a way to run a business. Then, I had the pleasure of watching him confront this student after class and he was nasty! Note to the owner-if you want to stay in business with your filthy studio, I highly suggest you be nice to all your patrons! I will never go back there after what I saw tonight! This student handled herself well and walked away when this horrible owner was incredibly rude.

best of luck in this bad economy! bad economy + bad attitude = FAILURE! I would avoid this place at all costs!

0

by sarabucktown at Citysearch
April 07, 20091Bikram's Yoga College Of India

THE WORST BIKRAM YOGA STUDIO IN THE CITY

★☆☆☆☆

THIS PLACE IS THE WORST AND I WILL NEVER GO BACK! Let me start by telling you about my 3 tries there. My first experience was great and the instructor took the time to go over some of the moves with me. My second class was crowed, hot and smelled like garbage. Not to mention, the facility is GROSS AND UNSANITARY! For the final straw, I had the owner as the instructor and what an as****e he is! He was rude to newer students and made fun of them for having to sit out. What a way to run a business. Then, I had the pleasure of watching him confront this student after class and he was nasty! Note to the owner-if you want to stay in business with your filthy studio, I highly suggest you be nice to all your patrons! I will never go back there after what I saw tonight! This student handled herself well and walked away when this horrible owner was incredibly rude.

best of luck in this bad economy! bad economy + bad attitude = FAILURE! I would avoid this place at all costs!

Along with the truth of the comments below regarding this place (I won't even classify it as a yoga studio), all potential customers should be aware that the management has just instituted a retroactive, non-compete clause instructing all of its teachers that they will be fired if it is discovered that they are instructing at a specific, non-affiliated studio, of which I am NOT a teacher. Continue to spread the love, I guess or greed, right? This place needs a serious attitude adjustment, but I guess that the economy will do that for them. One of your instructors once told me that "all yoga is good yoga", I guess that that is just parrot talk like the rest of your monologue. Namaste.

0

by chiyogi78 at Citysearch
February 17, 20091Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Greedy Yoga?

★☆☆☆☆

Along with the truth of the comments below regarding this place (I won't even classify it as a yoga studio), all potential customers should be aware that the management has just instituted a retroactive, non-compete clause instructing all of its teachers that they will be fired if it is discovered that they are instructing at a specific, non-affiliated studio, of which I am NOT a teacher. Continue to spread the love, I guess or greed, right? This place needs a serious attitude adjustment, but I guess that the economy will do that for them. One of your instructors once told me that "all yoga is good yoga", I guess that that is just parrot talk like the rest of your monologue. Namaste.

I originally went to BYIC (Mike and John) and then Om on the Range (Beth and Terry), both which I would highly recommend. Great people.

This place, however, has left a very different impression. Coming to you BYC has been a HUGE turnoff . The instructors here are arrogant and degrade students who leave the room or cannot handle the 45% humidity. I like the heat just as much as anyone else, but come on, lets be rational, when students are writhing around on the floor, I don't think that they are enjoying themselves.

I talked to Mike (the owner) about it, and he insists that it is not "survivor" yoga, but I just got out of my second, extreme heat, class where my hands tingled and I was developing tunnel vision due to the heat, and was unable to cool my body down, so I could not do the poses as instructed. Afterwards, I was chastized by Karry (the New Zealander) for not following instructions, he told me that I just needed to lie down in Savasana and I will cool down, but that "you do as the instructor says, that's how it works in this studio, mate". OK, maybe, removing that person from the heat source might be a good idea, mate? I asked him what the heat/ humidity was in there and he casually replied "It is what it is".

I am a grad student in Exercise Physiology and have worked as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor for over three years and have never read a correlation study between fitness and the ability to tolerate extreme humidity. Nor would I have ever considered forcing a student to remain in a hot class with the threat of public degradation. I will definitely be going back to Mike & John's Studio in bucktown (about 3 miles west) or Om on the Range after my membership expires and would advise anyone considering going to BYC to do the same. I have been to bikram studios all over the world and this is the HOTTEST and unsafe.

0

by bk5713 at Citysearch
November 25, 20081Bikram's Yoga College Of India

NOT best studio on citysearch (as advertised)

★☆☆☆☆

I originally went to BYIC (Mike and John) and then Om on the Range (Beth and Terry), both which I would highly recommend. Great people.

This place, however, has left a very different impression. Coming to you BYC has been a HUGE turnoff . The instructors here are arrogant and degrade students who leave the room or cannot handle the 45% humidity. I like the heat just as much as anyone else, but come on, lets be rational, when students are writhing around on the floor, I don't think that they are enjoying themselves.

I talked to Mike (the owner) about it, and he insists that it is not "survivor" yoga, but I just got out of my second, extreme heat, class where my hands tingled and I was developing tunnel vision due to the heat, and was unable to cool my body down, so I could not do the poses as instructed. Afterwards, I was chastized by Karry (the New Zealander) for not following instructions, he told me that I just needed to lie down in Savasana and I will cool down, but that "you do as the instructor says, that's how it works in this studio, mate". OK, maybe, removing that person from the heat source might be a good idea, mate? I asked him what the heat/ humidity was in there and he casually replied "It is what it is".

I am a grad student in Exercise Physiology and have worked as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor for over three years and have never read a correlation study between fitness and the ability to tolerate extreme humidity. Nor would I have ever considered forcing a student to remain in a hot class with the threat of public degradation. I will definitely be going back to Mike & John's Studio in bucktown (about 3 miles west) or Om on the Range after my membership expires and would advise anyone considering going to BYC to do the same. I have been to bikram studios all over the world and this is the HOTTEST and unsafe.

I signed up based on this website. Overall, I would not recommend this place. I paid the discounted monthly rate for one month and was only able to go twice. The third time I tried to go, they LOCKED the doors only a few minutes after beginning the class. When I tried to call to complain about not being able to get in, no one ever answered the phone. This is the kinda place where they treat you nice the first time and forget about you right after. After the third time, I stopped going for fear that I would be one lousy minute late and would be locked out - having commuted over a half hour just to exercise. Not worth it. Like the other review said, there are other studios out there.

0

by Sampler4642 at Citysearch
July 07, 20081Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Rip Off

★☆☆☆☆

I signed up based on this website. Overall, I would not recommend this place. I paid the discounted monthly rate for one month and was only able to go twice. The third time I tried to go, they LOCKED the doors only a few minutes after beginning the class. When I tried to call to complain about not being able to get in, no one ever answered the phone. This is the kinda place where they treat you nice the first time and forget about you right after. After the third time, I stopped going for fear that I would be one lousy minute late and would be locked out - having commuted over a half hour just to exercise. Not worth it. Like the other review said, there are other studios out there.

I don't know what the other reviewer was talking about. I love this place! The first time I did Bikram was here and BYC made me fall in love with it. The classes were awesome, and afterward they offer freeze pops to help you cool down. The ladies changing room was insanely tiny with only 1 stall. That was the biggest downfall. But the classes were stellar! Check it out.

2

by pyt333 at Citysearch
October 17, 20075Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Great!!!

★★★★★

I don't know what the other reviewer was talking about. I love this place! The first time I did Bikram was here and BYC made me fall in love with it. The classes were awesome, and afterward they offer freeze pops to help you cool down. The ladies changing room was insanely tiny with only 1 stall. That was the biggest downfall. But the classes were stellar! Check it out.

Pros: Great classes and I didn't feel like a loser when I had to lie down.

There are much better yoga studios in this city, and all the other bikram studios I prefer to this one. I bought a 10 class pass when I moved 2 blocks away and struggle to use all the classes because I can hardly bring myself to practice here.

1

by geeseps at Citysearch
September 28, 20062Bikram's Yoga College Of India

There are better (hot) yoga studios

★★☆☆☆

There are much better yoga studios in this city, and all the other bikram studios I prefer to this one. I bought a 10 class pass when I moved 2 blocks away and struggle to use all the classes because I can hardly bring myself to practice here.

Challenging. Every class makes you feel like you've gotten a crazy workout. Instructors are great, even the owner Mike teaches, and it's in a convenient location. Al Bikram studios tend to be pretty pricey so this studio is pretty average.

2

by jsp8878 at Citysearch
April 08, 20065Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Love Hot Yoga

★★★★★

Challenging. Every class makes you feel like you've gotten a crazy workout. Instructors are great, even the owner Mike teaches, and it's in a convenient location. Al Bikram studios tend to be pretty pricey so this studio is pretty average.